This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the nature, properties, structures, and modes of occurrence of minerals. The general features of the common rock-forming minerals are covered in lectures (3 hours per week). Topics that will be covered include an introduction to crystal chemistry, phase equilibria and crystallography, as well as the use of the SEM and XRD in characterizing solids. The principal rock-forming minerals such as sulfides, oxides, carbonates, garnets, olivines, pyroxenes, amphiboles, micas, and feldspars are individually reviewed with respect to properties, structures, genesis, and their natural associations. The laboratory (three hours per week) includes systematic study of the properties and associations of the common rock-forming minerals and the routine use of the polarizing microscope for mineral identifications. In early October, there is a required four-day field trip to Bancroft, Ontario. Students will each collect a rock-forming mineral and prepare a term paper on a study using different experimental (e.g., optics, XRD and SEM) and theoretical methods. This provides an independent research experience.

The grade is based on two midterms and a final exam, laboratory exercises, the term project, and class participation.

Syllabi are available to current LSA students. IMPORTANT: These syllabi are provided to give students a general idea about the courses, as offered by LSA departments and programs in prior academic terms. The syllabi do not necessarily reflect the assignments, sequence of course materials, and/or course expectations that the faculty and departments/programs have for these same courses in the current and/or future terms.

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